This “addictive” historical drama based on two bestsellers has been hailed “one of a kind”.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
09:00, 18 Jul 2026
This “amazing” period drama based on a true story is now streaming for free. (Image: CHANNEL 4)
Period drama fans are “hooked” on this “beautiful” series filmed in and around Bristol.
Set in the 16th Century, this “thrilling” historical drama tells the tale of how a woman travelled from Spain to the Tudor court to marry a prince before setting her eyes on his brother in order to become the Queen of England.
The “visually stunning” period drama in question is The Spanish Princess, which revolves around the real early life of Catherine of Aragon, who went on to be the first and longest-reigning wife of King Henry VIII.
The Spanish Princess, which originally came out in 2019, is not only based on real-life events but also Philippa Gregory’s two historical novels, The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse.
Historical drama fans have been describing this show as “addictive”. (Image: CHANNEL 4)
Lucky for viewers, both series of The Spanish Princess are ready to stream for free on Channel 4.
Filming of this “beautiful” show took place around Bristol, including the Ashton Court Estate, which doubled up as various Tudor estate grounds and outdoor scenes.
Plenty of Tudor replica sets, including the Palace of Westminster, were also built at Bristol’s famous production studio, The Bottle Yard Studios.
Other shows that have used the Bristol-based studios include the BBC’s Showtrial, Rivals, and ITV thriller Gone.
Actress Charlotte Hope stars as the Catherine of Aragon in The Spanish Princess. (Image: CHANNEL 4)
The drama stars Game of Thrones actress Charlotte Hope as Catherine of Aragon, while Irish actor Ruairi O’Connor plays the young King Henry VIII.
Sharing their rave reviews of The Spanish Princess on IMDb, someone said, “I love the show! I am addicted!”
Another described it as “one of a kind” before writing: “This show has me hooked! It’s different; it’s unique and thrilling.”
Someone else said it was “visually stunning” and “enthralled with every episode,” as a fellow viewer labelled it “one of the best TV series with historical content I have ever seen.”
The Spanish Princess is available to stream on Channel 4.